There will be visitation Wednesday, March 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake.

Gary was born in Glencoe in 1945 to William and JeAnnette (Maack) Debner.

He grew up in Plato, and graduated from Glencoe High School in 1963. He went on to Mankato State University and graduated with a degree in economics and math.

Gary married Patricia Evelyn Simmons Oct. 1, 1966, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church of Le Sueur. The couple lived first in Mankato, then Plymouth, then Wayzata, then Buffalo.

After Patricia passed away, July 28, 2010, Gary made his home in Big Lake, then Maple Lake for the past five months.

Gary worked in the IT field for IDS/American Express Financial, where he retired after 35 years.

His passions included hunting, fishing, and participating in sports, beginning in his youth. Baseball and basketball were his favorites. His passion for baseball, in which he led his high school and town teams, presented him with offers of sports scholarships. He chose to attend Mankato State on an academic scholarship, where he played collegiate baseball, as well.

Following his playing days, Gary also coached youth baseball for many years.

In his recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid sports enthusiast, willing to share conversation with anyone about recent games, plays, and stats.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Gary was preceded in death by his parents, William and JeAnnette Debner; and an infant daughter, Elizabeth.

He is survived by his children, Kristin (Richard) Lord of Monticello, and Michael (April) Debner of Howard Lake; his grandchildren, Amber, Jessica, Aiden, and Ian; sisters Lavonne Carlbloom of Glencoe, and Virginia (Arlo) Schultz of Elk River; cousins, nieces, and nephews.